Well, here we go! Another year where my New York Knicks are one of the favorites to win an NBA Championship. Still feels all too surreal to say that. Is this the year?!
Wayyyyyy too much pressure!
I'm excited to have the NBA back in action. There is a lot of talent on all teams, and the league is as wide open and as balanced as it has ever been. Thanks, second apron!
Also, with a pending MLB work stoppage on the horizon, I'm going to need some other leagues to be enjoyable, maybe even more so than the usual. But that's another topic, for another day.
As always, here are my 2025-2026 predictions, with some wild guesses thrown in:
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EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF TEAMS
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (56-26)
2. New York Knicks (54-28)
3. Orlando Magic (51-31)
4. Philadelphia 76ers (48-34)
5. Detroit Pistons (45-37)
6. Atlanta Hawks (44-38)
*Play-In Tournament Teams*
7. Chicago Bulls (42-40)
8. Milwaukee Bucks (40-42)
9. Boston Celtics (39-43)
10. Toronto Raptors (39-43)
WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF TEAMS
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (59-23)
2. Houston Rockets (55-27)
3. Minnesota Timberwolves (51-31)
4. San Antonio Spurs (48-34)
5. Denver Nuggets (48-34)
6. Dallas Mavericks (44-38)
*Play-In Tournament Teams*
7. New Orleans (41-41)
8. Golden State Warriors (41-41)
9. Los Angeles Clippers (40-42)
10. Los Angeles Lakers (39-43)
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SEASON OCCURRENCES
Next Household Name: VJ Edgecombe
Biggest Name to be Traded: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Biggest Story: Where does LeBron play for Season 24?
Scoring Champion: Victor Wembanyama
SEASON AWARDS
All-Star Game MVP: Anthony Edwards
In-Season Tournament Winner: New York Knicks
Coach of the Year: Mark Daigneault
Most Improved Player of the Year: Amen Thompson
Clutch Player of the Year: Jalen Brunson
Defensive Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama
Sixth Man of the Year: Quentin Grimes
Rookie of the Year: VJ Edgecomb
Most Valuable Player: Victor Wembanyama
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WILD GUESSES AND BOLD PREDICTIONS
- Giannis Heads to NYC
I'm currently in the camp that believes there is slight smoke here, and that Knicks camp has felt...off. Maybe it's just me. I may be misreading the vibes. This heats up in January, and we send Karl-Anthony Towns out with either OG Anunoby or Mitch Robinson, and Giannis is a Knick.
- Wembanyama DOMINATES the League
Everyone has Wemby as the Defensive Player of the Year in their selections - formal, informal, gut reaction - doesn't matter. I'm going a step further, and I just think this is the year he begins to put it together and unleash the full cheat code-alien-like dominance we thought was possible. I'm talking full onslaught of NBA2K-like gameplay with a few quadruple-doubles sprinkled throughout the season. He wins the MVP and snatches that stupidly debated crown - "next face" of the NBA.
- Bigs Back In Style
For so long, it was up-tempo basketball, run-and-gun, positionless...yada, yada, yada.
With what the Houston Rockets will roll out this year, I'm predicting we will see the return of rim-protection and the occasional double-big lineup around the NBA.
- Devin Booker Becomes a Piston
Crazzzzyyyyyy prediction here. Booker grows tired of the new direction in Phoenix. Detroit, sensing how close they are to legitimately contending, pulls the trigger to bring the hometown boy home. It gives Detroit a boost in the playoffs and a serious look for 26-27.
- LeBron Finale in Los Angeles Ends Ugly
It's not as sexy a storyline as he's in the twilight of his career. Regardless, I just can't picture LeBron retiring...I can't wrap my mind around it. I think this - whatever it is - happening in Los Angeles ends ugly, LeBron doesn't finish the year in a Laker uniform, and he's motivated to play season 24. Of course, the new story, where does he play? Where does Bronny play?
- Zion FINALLY Puts it Together
It's finally the year. Zion plays. And plays well.
- Jason Tatum Returns Early
Tatum seems like the guy who will kick science in the teeth, shred the street clothes, and throwback on the Celtics jersey to help them make a run into the Play-In tournament. Maybe even a solid first-round effort.
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CONFERENCE FINALS
Eastern Conference: Knicks d. Cavs (4-2)
Western Conference: Thunder d. Nuggets (4-3)
NBA FINALS
Oklahoma Thunder d. New York Knicks (4-2)
Let the dynasty discussion begin.
It'll be hard to get out of bed if this happens.
#LGK